Concern for Maserati grows as Stellantis Italy production plunges
Stellantis managed to struggle through 2024, but now sales and production numbers show just how bad things really are.
Stellantis had a rough 2024, with production shutdowns on multiple occasions, the abrupt resignation of their CEO, and mixed consumer sentiment regarding their upcoming EV offerings. With the year having finally come to a close, it’s becoming clearer just how bad Stellantis Italy's production is faring. It turns out the future of a 110-year-old brand could be at stake.
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Production of cars hits its lowest point since 1956
In the United States, it was fairly obvious Stellantis was struggling, and the story was very much the same overseas. According to the manufacturing union, Stellantis saw its vehicle production fall 37% since last year. As a result, the brand’s production of cars has officially hit its lowest point since 1956.
Luxury and performance marques Alfa Romeo and Maserati weren’t outliers due to their price or limited lineups. All of the conglomerate's commercial vehicle production fell by 17% compared to 2023.
Overall, Stellantis manufactured 475,090 vehicles in its five Italian production facilities. In 2023, those same facilities produced 751,384 vehicles.
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Maserati production was the hardest hit of all of Stellantis Italy’s facilities
Of all of the brands under the Stellantis umbrella, Maserati was hit the hardest. Stellantis paused production at its Mirafiori facility multiple times, with production expected to resume in February. The facility makes the Fiat 500e, a small electric car, and two Maserati sports cars. Overall, production at the Mirafiori facility declined by 70% in 2024.
The Mirafiori plant in Turin wasn’t even the most affected one. The Maserati plant in Modena performed even worse, posting a 79% drop in production. The Modena plant most notably produces the MC20 supercar and Nettuno V6 engine that powers the Maserati Grecale.
"We are very worried about Maserati," Ferdinando Uliano, the union’s leader, told Reuters. "We expect quickly a clear and detailed project for Maserati."
While Maserati’s full 2024 sales aren’t out just yet, in the first three quarters, Maserati sold just 8,600 vehicles, down from 20,600 in the same period in 2023. That’s a decline of more than 50%, and the reason for it varies depending on who you ask.
“Maserati is in the red. The reason is marketing. The Maserati brand is not clearly positioned, and the storytelling is not how it should be,” Carlos Tavares, who abruptly resigned as CEO last year, told Top Gear at the Paris Motor Show.
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Maserati also saw a change in leadership in October 2024, when its former CEO, Davide Grasso, was replaced by Santo Ficili, who is also the head honcho of Alfa Romeo. Ficili reportedly plans to bring the two marques closer together, which could mean an entirely new direction for Maserati.
Modena production facility will produce high-end EVs
Stellantis has been quick to get their plans for the Modena facility out before the production numbers dropped. Executives claim there’s a future for the Modena plant, and it revolves around becoming the central point for the group’s high-end vehicles.
The automotive conglomerate announced a $2.1 billion investment in its Italian production facilities to boost EV production. The Alfa Romeo plant in Pomigliano and the Melfi facility, which will produce an electric Jeep crossover, are two facilities set to receive a slice of those investments.
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The Atessa plant currently produces electric vans under a number of Stellantis brands, including Fiat Progression, Peugeot, and Citroen. The Termoli production facility, which currently builds engines, will be reworked for battery production.
While plenty of electrification work is ongoing throughout Stellantis Italy, there is no further information regarding the specifics of the Modena production facility. If it follows suit, the Modena facility will likely play a role in high-end EV production.
Final thoughts
Stellantis is in trouble, but its problems are spread throughout its brands. It’s clear there’s growing concern for the future of legendary brands like Maserati amongst enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
Fortunately, Maserati has its reputation and 110-year history behind it, so it’s more likely to be sold off than shut down - that is if Ficili can’t turn it around.
